GoPro Warranty Guide: 4 Ways to Claim, Return, Replace Damaged Cameras

GoPro cameras are super durable. But they aren’t indestructible. GoPro offers a set of guarantees and warranties for users at every stage of ownership. Here are your options for getting a repair or replacement under a GoPro warranty.

There are 4 levels of GoPro warranty. They include the Money Back Guarantee (30 days), GoPro Warranty (1 Year), GoPro Lifetime Warranty (Lifetime, 2 Years), and the No-Questions-Asked Camera Replacement (GoPro Subscribers). Each level has different inclusions, exclusions, and rules for returns.

Here are all the details:

1. Money-Back Guarantee (30 Days)

If you have a camera and don’t want it anymore, your first option is their Money-Back Guarantee.

If you bought it from GoPro directly, you can send it back and get a full refund, less shipping. They proudly state “No questions asked.”

So if you just don’t like the interface, notice the lack of HDMI ports, or just change your mind, you can get your money back.

Limitations: Damaged items cannot be returned. Shipping charges aren’t refundable. Valid up to 30-days after receiving your order.

If at any time within 30 days of receiving your order, you’re not 100% satisfied, you may return the products to us for a refund. No questions asked. Any items damaged due to reasons not covered under warranty cannot be accepted back for refund under our Money-Back Guarantee. Also, associated shipping fees are not refundable. This guarantee only applies to orders placed on gopro.com.

GoPro.com

2. GoPro Warranty (1 Year)

If you’ve passed the 30-day window and are unhappy with your camera, you might qualify for the GoPro warranty.

Their warranty covers one year from the date of purchase (not the date you received the camera). If there is a manufacturing defect, you likely qualify for a repair or replacement of your camera.

Here’s an excerpt from the Warranty Information page on gopro.com:

GoPro products are guaranteed against manufacturing defects one (1) year from the original date of purchase. GoPro’s sole obligation in the event of such defects during this period is to repair or replace the defective part or product with a comparable part or product at GoPro’s sole discretion.

GoPro Warranty

Cost to Get Product Repaired or Replaced

The standard (free) warranty for GoPro products doesn’t always cover the costs of shipping or replacements.

From what I’ve heard from other users, it depends on the nature of the claim. If GoPro feels the fault is theirs, they’ll come good for the item and associated costs. If there is a question about user responsibility, they might repair or replace it with some costs for the user.

Here’s what their warranty page has to say.

Returns or replacements of parts and/or products may be subject to shipping, handling, replacement and/or restocking fees.

GoPro Warranty Information

Does GoPro Warranty Cover Leakage?

The GoPro warranty doesn’t cover any leaking and resulting damage.

Because of possible user resealing error, this product is not warrantied against waterhousing leakage or any resulting damage.

GoPro Warranty Information

So, while the cameras are waterproof, their standard warranty does not guarantee they won’t leak. Here’s what you need to know about IPX waterproof ratings.

3. GoPro Lifetime Warranty (Lifetime)

If your purchase was over one year ago, you might qualify for their lifetime warranty coverage.

They offer two types of warranty: electrical and non-electrical.

A. Non-Electrical Mounts and Accessories

Limitations: This applies to non-electrical accessories. The repair or replacement decision is at the discretion of Customer Support. They may exclude items that failed due to wear and tear, abuse, or natural breakdown.

Non-electrical GoPro mounts and accessories* are covered by a Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product for the benefit of the first purchaser or gift recipient. Products found to be defective will be repaired or replaced at GoPro’s discretion. 

GoPro Warranty Information

This warranty is basically for coverage of broken mounts, tripods, and accessories. You’ll need to demonstrate a defect in materials or workmanship. This isn’t a broad warranty but protects you from a failed mount.

B. Electrical Mounts and Accessories

This warranty covers battery chargers, lights, and other electrical mounts.

Limitations: Batteries and Karma products are excluded. The product can be no more than two years old.

They define a lifetime as its “useful life” which is a maximum of two years. So while “lifetime warranty” sounds pretty good, this section is actually listed as a “limited lifetime”, according to its estimated lifespan of two years.

4. GoPro Subscription

GoPro Subscription covers up to two no-questions-asked camera replacements per year.

To be a GoPro subscriber, you’ll need to subscribe each year. There are other benefits to GoPro Subscription, including unlimited cloud backup, premium editing tools (in Quik), and discounts on cameras and accessories.

Learn more about the GoPro trade in program.

Which Cameras are Covered by GoPro Subscription?

All GoPro cameras from Hero5 forward can be warrantied under GoPro Subscription (formerly GoPro Plus and GoPro Care).

Here’s the full list of eligible cameras:

• Hero12 Black
• Hero11 Black
• Hero10 Black
• Hero9 Black
• Hero8 Black
• GoPro Max 
• Hero7 (Black, Silver, White)
• Hero (2018)
• Hero6 Black
• GoPro Fusion
• Hero5 Black

Even cameras over 2 years old can be replaced with this benefit.

What Countries is Guaranteed Camera Replacement?

Guaranteed camera replacement isn’t available in every country.

Here is where GoPro subscribers can request replacements for damaged cameras.

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Poland
• Romania
• Slovak Republic
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• United States​​​​​​

Replacement Camera Fee

So while GoPro Subscribers will get a replacement for a damaged camera, it does come with a cost.

First, you’ll have to cover the shipping cost to return the damaged camera.

Second, you’ll have to pay a “trade-in fee”. This ranges from $69 to $129 per unit, depending on the model. For Hero9 and Hero10 cameras, the fee is USD$99.00.

What Isn’t Covered by Any GoPro Warranty

Here are three reasons you won’t be able to claim on your GoPro warranty:

1. Loss of Camera

• Loss: If you lose your GoPro, they aren’t going to replace it. This isn’t covered by any warranty – even their premium GoPro Subscription. Yes, they do say “No questions asked camera replacement”, but there is a catch. You need to return the damaged camera to get a replacement.

Here are 7 ways to locate your lost GoPro.

2. Past Claim Window

• Once you pass the claim window (30 days, 1 year, 2 years) you won’t be able to make a claim. You might still qualify for another warranty.

3. Intentional Damage or Abuse

• Intentional Damage: This should go without saying, but if you drive over your camera with a truck or light it on fire, they probably won’t send you a new one. The exception to this might be if you are a GoPro Subscriber. Those terms state a no-questions-asked camera replacement. I wouldn’t advise trying this, but I guess there is no harm in asking.

Before you package it up, why not try these 5 ways to reset your GoPro?

How to Return Your GoPro for Repair or Replacement

Here’s what you should do to claim your warranty.

GoPro doesn’t recommend step 3, but this is important. If there is a mixup at their location, how will you establish which camera is yours?

1. Contact GoPro Customer Support: On their support page, click on Contact Us.
2. Get an RMA: Once you explain the situation, they’ll give you and RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number.
3. Document Your Cameras Details: Take photos of your camera, serial number, and any accessories that you’re returning. Archive these photos for future clarification.
4. Prepare the package for shipment.
5. Ship your package to your local RMA facility. Make sure to write your RMA on the box.

Address for Returning GoPro Warranty Claims

Here are the addresses to return your package. You need to choose the facility assigned according to your country.

Americas (North, Central, South)

GoPro Returns
1784 Pan American St.
Suite 101
Calexico, CA 92231

Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA)

GoPro Warranty Service
Smakterweg 100
5804 AM Venray
The Netherlands

Asia Pacific (APAC)

GoPro Warranty Service
51 Ubi Avenue 3
Singapore 408858

Here’s how to contact GoPro.

GoPro Users: Experiences with Camera Replacements

Rather than just copy and paste the experiences of other GoPro users, I’m just going to link to this Reddit thread. There are a few experiences of other GoPro owners who were successful in making a claim with the GoPro Subscription warranty.

More reading: GoPro Waterproof Guide

Your Turn

Have you successfully made a claim with a damaged GoPro? I would love to hear your GoPro warranty stories and tips.